Superman’s Costume Plot Hole Turned Into Strength Like Batman’s Eye Paint

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Similar to how Robert Pattinson’s Batman shows the black paint under his mask, David Corenswet’s Superman features a costume detail that cleverly fixes a long-standing inconsistency in the story.

When early pictures of David Corenswet in the Superman suit were released, many fans were disappointed with the look, and comparisons to Henry Cavill’s costume from the previous films were common. However, the suit ultimately proved to be a good fit for the movie, helping to emphasize James Gunn’s vision of a more traditional, optimistic Superman.

A significant new costume element could have created a confusing inconsistency in the story. However, the movie cleverly uses it to enhance the plot, similar to a technique used in Matt Reeves’ The Batman.

Like Batman’s Hidden Eye Paint, Superman’s Glasses & Red Trunks Felt Like Plot Holes

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Many Batman movies, particularly those starring Michael Keaton, show Bruce Wayne applying dark makeup around his eyes before putting on the Batman cowl. But then, the makeup mysteriously vanishes as soon as he takes the cowl off, which always felt like a mistake in the story. Instead of ignoring this issue, Matt Reeves’ The Batman takes a new approach.

The movie clearly shows Robert Pattinson applying dark eyeshadow under his mask so that only his eyes are visible.

This choice works well for the film because Pattison’s dark-eyed appearance as Bruce Wayne fits the character’s brooding, distant, and fixated personality.

David Corenswet’s Superman wears the classic red trunks, a detail that was missing from Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the character.

The red trunks don’t really add much to the character and might even seem silly. But, similar to how they work with Batman, Superman’s trunks actually create an interesting depth to his portrayal.

Like Matt Reeves’ Batman, James Gunn’s Superman Turns Plot Holes Into Story Devices

James Gunn and the team working on Superman debated whether David Corenswet should wear the traditional red trunks with his costume. Gunn originally wanted them, but realized they looked a bit silly. Corenswet then suggested that embracing the silliness could actually make the character seem more relatable and less intimidating.

Because James Gunn wanted to portray Superman as a beacon of hope, kindness, and someone people could relate to – not a distant, powerful god – the traditional red trunks actually enhanced that vision.

Following comments from James Gunn, a team-up between David Corenswet’s Superman and Robert Pattinson’s Batman seems improbable. Still, the way both actors embrace and even highlight their characters’ weaknesses is compelling, and makes many fans hope they’ll appear together in a film one day.

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2026-01-25 16:50